The Trail of Waitangi

On New Zealand History in the early to mid 1800's

EVENTS LEADING TO THE TREATY OF WAITANGI

The first main item is linked to in the next seven links; or the whole version on one page can be found HERE

i. AN ILLEGAL COMPANY IS FORMED TO TRADE IN LAND
1837. An Association is formed in England to buy land in New Zealand to sell on at a profit. It is rejected by the British Parliament, but resurfaces as the "New Zealand Company", sending several boats of colonists to Cook Strait.

ii. THE ACCUSERS
1839: The British Government is forced into a position of making New Zealand a British Colony, moreso for protection of Maori against unscrupulous Europeans. These Europeans stir up great opposition through accusations.

iii. THE SIGNING OF THE TREATY
30th Jan - 6th Feb 1840 - A Governor is sent to New Zealand, a treaty is translated and presented to Maori for signing, still with continuing opposition from Europeans and the Roman Bishop.

iv. THE TREATY IS TAKEN SOUTH
1840. Signatures are gained from both the North and Middle (South) Island, with opposition from the New Zealand Company's 'self appointed' Colonial Government at Wellington.

vi. CORRUPTION SETS IN
1841-With systematic hostility, New Zealand Company supportersd attacked the Treaty and any protection it offered the natives to their land. They eventually gained Colonial Office support and horrifying instructions were issued to the Governor of New Zealand.